Doctors warn against the sneaky pepto-bismol ingredient that can be dangerous
This could cause stomach bleeding in some people.
The next time you suffer from stomach burns Or a stomach ache, you may want to throw a second overview of the antacids you have in your pharmacy cabinet. Doctors say that there could be a sneaky ingredient in your over-the-counter pepto-bismol (OTC) which can be dangerous, even leading to stomach bleeding.
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The FDA warns against antacids that contain aspirin.
A few years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Consumer update Regarding the use of private overwhelming antacids. The agency has long warned that aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, and now it extends the concern of antacids that have aspirin as an ingredient.
"Medicines containing aspirin to treat stomach burns, acidic stomach, acidic indigestion or stomach of evils can cause bleeding from the stomach or intestinal," said FDA in its new warning.
Although these cases remain rare, the FDA indicated that there were new cases of serious bleeding of these drugs: "Some of these patients needed blood transfusion."
Therefore, the FDA suggests "stomach drugs that do not contain aspirin".
Pepto-Bismol could be particularly worrying.
Kelly Johnson-Arbor , MD, a medical toxicologist and the co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center, says Best life that one of the most popular over -the -counter antacids contains aspirin, or at least something very similar.
"Pepto-Bismol contains a form of aspirin," she says. “Aspirin is a type of salicylate, and the bismuth incorporated into the pepto-bismol is formulated with a salicylate in a compound called bismuth subsalicylate.
"Other antacid and antidiarrheans products, including generic analogs or brand of Pepto-Bismol, Kaopecate and" Relief "stores, can also contain a bismuth subsalicylate," she adds.
To determine if your antacide contains this ingredient, Karen Murry , MD, deputy director of the FDA -free prescription office, recommends consulting the facts on the packaging of medicines. Those who contain aspirin have included it on the label, as well as the risk factors for bleeding listed.
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However, other medical experts say that Pepto-Bismol is the best antacid choice.
Despite the risk for some people, Pepto-Bismol can always be the best antacid choice for others.
Tessa Spencer , Pharmd, specialist in Community pharmacy and functional medicine , tell Best life The fact that the antacid that she considers "the best overall" is the original liquid of Bismol, which is used to treat not only stomach burns but also diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.
She adds that the generic version of the drug, called Bismuth subsalicylate, can help you save money while offering the same advantages.
"The bismuth subsalicylate covers the stomach and soothes stomach burns" in those who have "light and intermittent stomach burns," she said. However, it notes that this product can sometimes cause constipation, so you will have to take it into account.
Spencer points out that sometimes customers prefer to take antacids to bite, and in this case, it recommends tablets with antacid crust of Rolaids, which incorporate two ingredients: magnesium and calcium carbonate.
“There are many acid reflux drugs that contain magnesium. Combined with calcium carbonate, this combination neutralizes gastric acid both in the stomach and esophagus. The combination of these two active ingredients can alleviate nausea and discomfort, "she explains.
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What to know before taking an antacide:
According to the FDA, the risk of undergoing serious bleeding of antacid products containing aspirin is higher for some people.
Factors that may increase your risk include being 60 or more, having a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, drinking three or more alcoholic drinks, as well as taking anti-Sang drugs, steroid drugs to reduce inflammation, or other drugs containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSIDS).
"The signs of stomach warning or intestinal bleeding include a feeling of evil, vomiting blood, passing black or bloody stool or suffering from abdominal pain," notes the FDA. "These are signs that you should consult a health professional immediately."
And while Spencer says that antacids are sure for most people, she notes that before doing so, "it is important to speak to a pharmacist or your health care provider first if you are pregnant or breastfed, to have liver disease, kidney disease or heart failure, you have a disease that means that you have to control the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet, like blood pressure or cirrhosis or other drugs. "
In addition to taking an antacide, she also advises to make certain lifestyle changes that can help improve your symptoms. It can be a question of eating smaller meals, reducing food and drinks that can cause stomach burns, to avoid lengthening within three hours of meals, breed your bed of six to eight inch, and ask your pharmacist if other medications you take could worse your stomach burns.
